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Day: December 14, 2015

Towboat Collision off Memphis

Towboat Collision off Memphis

William E Strait
Photo: msnewsnow.com

The 33 meter long towboat Margaret Ann and the 67 meter long towboat William E. Strait collided on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. The two towboats were attempting to pass each other when  they collided near the Interstate 55 bridge.  The William E. Strait sustained hull damage and water ingress and sank near the riverbank in 20 feet of water. The Coast Guard dispatched a vessel to the scene to monitor the situation. Divers and a clean-up crew arrived on scene and barriers were placed around the towboat to contain any pollution released. A sheen was reported around the William E. Strait as some fuel has been released.  No details reported on the status of the Margaret Ann.  No injuries were reported.

Navigator Europa

Navigator Europa

Navigator-Europa

The 160 meter long, 17,004 dwt LPG tanker Navigator Europa caught fire while moored at the terminal in the Houston Ship Channel. The Navigator Europa was transferring ethylene when fire broke out in the compressor room. The crew requested assistance with the Coast Guard dispatching several fire fighting vessels to the scene. The firefighting efforts were able to contain the blaze within 90 minutes.  No reports of injuries or pollution released. Authorities stopped traffic on the ship channel for several additional hours until the vessel was inspected and the surrounding area for any toxic flumes.  The Coast Guard reopen the channel to traffic later the same day. No leaks were detected. The incident is under investigation.